Date: 04.11.2002
Component: Steering > Rack And Pinion
Manufacturer: General Motors Corp.
Description:
Certain passenger vehicles and mini vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. these and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
Consequencs:
If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. if the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. if the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. with the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. in any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
Notes:
Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. owner notification began january 24, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
Date: 06.03.2002
Component: Electrical System > Ignition > Switch
Manufacturer: General Motors Corp.
Description:
On certain passenger vehicles. if the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Consequencs:
If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
Notes:
Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. owner notification began march 27, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, buick at 1-800-521-7300, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
Date: 15.12.1998
Component: Suspension > Rear
Manufacturer: General Motors Corp.
Description:
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. one of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts can fatigue and break.
Consequencs:
If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Notes:
Dealers will replace the rear suspension trailing arm fasteners.
Date: 15.12.1998
Component: Suspension > Rear
Manufacturer: General Motors Corp.
Description:
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. one of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts can fatigue and break.
Consequencs:
If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Notes:
Dealers will replace the rear suspension trailing arm fasteners.
Date: 29.06.1998
Component: Air Bags
Manufacturer: General Motors Corp.
Description:
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. because of certain calibrations in the air bag's sensing and diagnostic module, an inadvertent air bag deployment could occur in a low speed crash or when an object strikes the floor pan.
Consequencs:
Air bags deploy with great force and can seriously injure unrestrained occupants who are too close to them.
Notes:
Dealers will recalibrate the air bag sensing and diagnostic module.
Date: 04.11.2002
Component: Steering > Rack And Pinion
Manufacturer: General Motors Corp.
Description:
Certain passenger vehicles and mini vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. these and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
Consequencs:
If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. if the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. if the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. with the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. in any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
Notes:
Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. owner notification began january 24, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
Date: 25.02.1998
Component: Structure > Body
Manufacturer: General Motors Corp.
Description:
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. these vehicles were built with mis-located welds at the joint between the left rocker panel inner reinforcement and the body side ring. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 214, "side door strength."
Consequencs:
In the event of a vehicle crash, the sheet metal structure would not perform as desired increasing the risk of personal injury.
Notes:
Dealers will inspect the welds and, if necessary, place five welds between the involved panels and apply primer and topcoat finish materials.
Date: 28.06.1997
Component: Wheels > Space Saver Wheel
Manufacturer: General Motors Corp.
Description:
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the compact spare tire assemblies were assembled with incorrect rims. if the spare tire is underinflated, the bead can separate from the rim causing a rapid loss of air. this does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 110, "tire selection and rims."
Consequencs:
A rapid loss of air can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Notes:
Dealers will replace the rim on the compact spare tire assembly. owners are requested not to use the spare tire until the rim has been replaced.
Date: 24.11.1997
Component: Wheels > Lugs/nuts/bolts
Manufacturer: General Motors Corp.
Description:
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the wheel lug nuts were not tightened securely resulting in a fracture of the wheel studs.
Consequencs:
The wheel could separate from the vehicle. if the vehicle were in motion, a vehicle crash could result.
Notes:
Dealers will inspect the torque of all wheel nuts and, if necessary, tighten any that may be below required torque.
Date: 27.01.2004
Component: Electrical System > Ignition > Switch
Manufacturer: General Motors Corp.
Description:
On certain passenger vehicles. if the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Consequencs:
If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. the fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants or cause damage to adjoining structures.
Notes:
Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch. owner notification will begin on march 1, 2004. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, buick at 1-866-608-8080, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537. customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.mygmlink.com and entering the vehicle's identification number.
